CRYSTAL

Chapter 13

Sorry for the length, promise the next one will be longer...

Happy reading...

Charlotte and Sarah had chosen to sleep in Lord Weldrake's study as it was the largest room and offered the most privacy. They would no doubt gossip all night. Derek was yet to return from London and Jane found herself becoming more anxious as the hours passed. How would her brother explain to her father he is already engaged, to a woman they have never met. He should have mentioned it when he returned from his studies.

She had spent the rest of the day in Matthew's company, talking and laughing at the caricature their society was. He was an intelligent man and one not eager to marry and appease his father. He wanted to marry for love and love only. He did not want a wife who was raised to be a wife, he wanted a wife who was raised to be a woman. A woman with a mind of her own and an opinion that would send the men in the courts running. He did not want a wife who's vocabulary only consisted of yes, my Lord and no, my Lord. His mother was far too sharp tongued and his father had survived and been faithful to her and only her. He did not see a reason such a marriage would fail with him.

He had always wanted to be a doctor but he had to sacrifice that one thing for his family and his title. He could not be traversing the continent and dealing with his daily duties. His father had far too many businesses and he was next in line. He still read medical journals and cared for the sickly servants in his home. No one understood why but to him it was his way of practicing and fulfilling his father's wishes all at once.

Jane was impressed by him. He had a dream beyond a title and he certainly rivaled William in handsomeness. He had a smile that would send any woman's skirts flying high and a very likable personality. She considered her day well spent and she had found a friend in Matthew.

As they made their way to the balcony for a glass of wine and brandy for the men Jane felt William's soft kiss once more. She wondered when he would return. In her heart she knew she was losing her senses. How could she fall in love with a man that took his liberties with her the way William did. But how could she not. She was not one for adventure but she did not mind small doses of silent rebellion.

'Reminiscing a love I presume?' Matthew said falling into step with her.

Her blush deepened under the cover of Sarah's magic. 'Hardly, I do not know enough men to fall in love, Lord Matthew.'

'I take great offence in your words Lady Jane. We have spent the part of the day in each other's company. I am afraid I may have spent too much time in the company of women, pray tell do I sound like one?'

Jane laughed at this statement. 'I apologize. I did not mean to offend you. You do not sound like a woman, you are every bit a man. One of the most manly men I ever laid eyes on. '

'Lady Jane, seducing a man is shunned upon in our society.'

'So is comparing yourself to a woman, Lord Matthew. We are both at fault here. Whatever shall we do?' their conversation came to an abrupt end as they reached the doors of the balcony and now joined Lord and Lady Weldrake. As the norm Matthew went off to her father to talk about business over a glass of brandy and she and her mother sat admiring the skies.

It was a beautiful night. She wished she could walk about the gardens under the watchful eyes of the stars.

'Look at that dear, your last season and men are falling at your feet. Lord William was here rather early. I saw the both of you disappear into the gardens. I hope he respected you.' Lady Weldrake noticed the blush on her daughters cheeks and knew the warning would come to late. 'I do not send you about with a chaperone because I believe you to be an intelligent young lady. Do not be swayed by sweet actions Jane. Remember a man is still a man, and he should be able to spend time with you in the presence of your family, not secluding you away.'

'Yes, mama. I know. He only kissed me.' Lady Weldrake stiffened. 'Mama, I am far wiser than I was all those years ago.'

'That man has a reputation Janie, please be careful. Rosa will now be accompanying you and I do not want to hear your protests or I will have your father give the order.'

Jane stopped whatever complaint she had prepared. If her father was to become aware of what transpired he would lock her away forever. Matthew and her father seemed to be having quite the time in each other's company. They had refilled their glasses twice. And now in a much merrier mood. The business talk faded away and now they were being men criticizing the society and the balls and the women. Jane was blessed to have her family. She needed to tread carefully with William. She felt herself slipping back to her old ways. It would not do at all.

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